CEO Armada Music, Maykel Piron: "My son's serious illness was my biggest learning moment."

In 'A Chat With...' co-founder and CEO Maykel Piron speaks about his career, success, learning moments and his greatest source of inspiration.

The Dutch, independent record company Armada Music has been scoring worldwide for 20 years with names such as Armin van Buuren and Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano. In the new section 'A Get-Together With...' MASTERS talks to 'the man behind', co-founder & CEO Maykel Piron (47), to get to know the entrepreneur.

Armada Music was founded in 2003 by Armin van Buuren, Maykel Piron and David Lewis and exploits dance music worldwide. From their offices in Amsterdam, London, New York and Laren they manage an impressive portfolio of more than 40.000 tracks. In 'A Chat With…' co-founder and CEO Maykel Piron speaks about his career, success, learning moments and his greatest source of inspiration.

What characteristics characterize you as an entrepreneur?

''As an entrepreneur, I try to quickly see possibilities and opportunities, such as when a new platform comes along. Then I want to be the first to use it. For example, with Spotify we were one of the first dance labels to exploit our music here and create playlists. That intrinsic desire to be the first has matured somewhat over the years. When I was young I always wanted to go fast, but now that I have more experience and years of life, I take my time when I see an opportunity and I often think about it think about it a little longer. I want to be the best in everything I do and what we do as a company; I also want that for the people who work for me and the artists. I don't do it for the money. For the growth of the company."

What do you see as the greatest success in your career?

''The biggest success is the company itself, Armada Music. We have been competing among the world's best for 20 years and my motivation is to stay at the top. Every year I want to sign new artists and release music that scores internationally. This way we achieve more than a billion streams every year. To be the best at what we do; That feels like a great success to me.”

What would you do with (an investment of) € 1 million?

''We recently purchased a building in Laren: a crazy building that holds our soul. When you enter, you immediately feel that it is a record company. In addition, our office in New York is almost ready; I would invest in that too. So I would invest money in offices and good studios.”

What has been the biggest learning moment in your career?

''For me, every day is a learning moment; I want to learn every day. I am surrounded by people from whom I can also learn, both nationally and internationally. But the biggest learning moment was when my son was diagnosed with leukemia. As a result, I have learned to delegate even better, which also gives other people the opportunity to develop faster and makes the company even stronger. Fortunately, everything is going well now with my son.”

Who would you like to start a business with?

''My circle of friends and network mainly consists of entrepreneurs and smart people who have achieved many successes. I'm currently working on a big project that I can't tell you much about yet. I look worldwide to see who can be my best partner in this. So I have no desire to start a business with a specific person; I am especially looking for someone who fits in with this project and can add value.”

What is your best business tip?

''Never do it for the money and start a business with a product or service that you fully believe in. The most important thing is that you enjoy doing business. Before you start: first gain experience at a company within the same industry and try to become the best at it. For me it was at Warner Music.”

Biggest risk you've ever taken?

''I don't take many risks. We buy rights and rights only grow in value. Bidding a lot of money on a title is the biggest risk I take. Apart from the period during the pandemic when the clubs were closed, I have never seen a decline in turnover."

Do you have a morning routine?

''I get up at half past seven and have breakfast with the children. When the children are at school, I play sports and then go to the office. I am in New York ten days a month; of course the children are not there. Then my personal trainer comes around half past eight and then I go to the office."

What place do you prefer to work in?

''Armada Music has offices in Amsterdam, Laren, New York and London. I like the combination of these offices. So one time in New York, the other time in Amsterdam. That keeps it dynamic.”

Who or what is your greatest source of inspiration?

''My friends, mainly entrepreneurs, inspire me. I regularly talk to them about the ideas I have and they share their ideas. We spar about this and talk about our businesses. I learn a lot from this, and I draw inspiration from their successes and visions."

What gets you excited?

''I love to create: closing deals, signing new music and opening new offices. Fortunately, music still makes me very happy, ever since I was a child. The fact that I can do business with music is the best thing there is. But also the little things in life, like having breakfast with my children and walking the dog in the woods, make me a happy person."